8 Things to Know When Considering Breast Reduction

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by Dr. Steven Wallach

Many women find relief from the annoyances and physical pain that can accompany having excessively large breasts by undergoing breast reduction surgery. This procedure helps people enjoy new physical activities and alleviate the side effects caused by the heaviness of their chests.

Before committing to this invasive procedure, it’s helpful to know a few key things so you are best prepared for what breast reduction surgery in New York entails.

After Recovering, You’ll Feel Great

Breast reduction has one of the highest satisfaction rates among all cosmetic procedures. In fact, one study saw that 95 percent of women who had the surgery said they were pleased with the results. This means that, almost no matter what, you’re on the path to real relief with breast reduction.

You’ll Need Downtime

Although breast reduction surgery is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day, there is significant downtime required to heal. You’ll feel sore and fatigued for a few days after your procedure, so it’s important to plan ahead and take several days off from your normal routine to rest and recuperate. Additionally, while you should get up and move around after a breast reduction, you should avoid anything too strenuous for around a month.

Dr. Wallach will give you specific instructions regarding your recovery timeline according to your individual goals and condition during consultations before the surgery.

You May Not Get the Exact Cup Size You Want

You may have a cup size in mind as a goal for your breast reduction, but that’s not the way Dr. Wallach will talk to you about how much of a reduction you can expect. Instead, you’ll talk in terms of volume. Your results also depend on your amount of breast tissue, your body’s proportions, and your ultimate goals.

You’ll Also Get a Breast Lift

Dr. Wallach also performs a breast lift during breast reduction, as removing tissue will require relocating the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) to a more appropriate location.

You’ll Have Scars

You should expect to have scars after your breast reduction. The incisions usually go around the nipples and down to the bottoms of your breasts. Although the scars remain, they will improve a lot after the first year following your surgery. They are easily concealable in underwear and swimwear.

You May Have Decreased Nipple Sensation

Following your surgery, your nipples may feel numb. Decreased sensation is normal after a breast reduction, and should subside after a month or two. Contact Dr. Wallach if desensitivity lasts longer than two months, as this could be a sign of complications.

Insurance May Cover It

Sometimes, your insurance may cover breast reduction surgery. If you have pain or skin problems, it may count as a medical necessity, which would warrant the procedure being covered. Your primary care physician can help you get all the information you need to send to your insurance company before your surgery. This may include trying other, non-surgical options to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by large breast size.

It May Affect Your Ability to Breastfeed Later

Finally, a breast reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed later on. Some techniques are more likely to not interfere with milk production and breastfeeding ability, so you and Dr. Wallach can discuss which options are available and preferred during your consultation.

Breast Reduction in Manhattan, NYC

You have many surgical options and techniques for achieving the look and feel you want from a breast reduction, and when it comes to choosing which ones will give you the life-changing results you want, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Wallach is here to help. Learn more about your options for this plastic surgery procedure by calling us at 212-257-3263or by contacting us online today.